Practical tips for management of committee members

Contributed by Wendy Lamotte and Gosnells Community Legal Centre and current to 1 September 2005

Before joining any management committee you should:

• examine all governing documents, including the Constitution and any by-laws, which set out the framework for how the organisation is to be governed. Ensure you understand exactly what the organisation is responsible for and the limits of its powers;

• examine audited financial statements and ensure that the organisation has the financial resources to carry out its responsibilities;

• make sure the organisation has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and examine the policy to see what it covers and how the coverage fits with the organisation’s other insurance policies.

As a member of the committee:

• participate fully at meetings; take an active role in decision-making; ensure your position on a vote is reflected in the minutes;

• carry out the committee’s duties with candour, honesty and integrity;

• When you leave a committee, ensure that your resignation is in writing.

WHAT ARE SOME RELEVANT ACTS OR CODES THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Committee members should also be familiar with laws dealing with the following:

• Associations Incorporations

• Corporations Law

• Intellectual Property

• Misrepresentation

• Employment and industrial issues (including any relevant Award or Industrial Agreement)

• Vicarious liability

• Contract

• Trade Practices

• Equal Opportunity

• Taxation and superannuation

• Defamation

• Insurance (car, public liability, professional indemnity)

• Occupational Health and Safety

• Workers’ Compensation

• Privacy

Ethics and Codes of Conduct

Many organisations also develop a set of ethical standards to act as a guide for the Committee and/or Codes of Conduct to identify appropriate behaviour for members of the organisation. While such documents may not be legally binding on committee members, they serve to reduce potential for conflict by clearly setting out what is and is not considered appropriate behaviour for your organisation.